Instagram Favorites: Costa Rica

While in Costa Rica, I didn’t have the opportunity to do any blogging. Instagram was another story. Each day brought new chances to capture the stunning sunsets and the captivating culture. Thus, my Instagram feed was full of fun pictures of my Central American adventures. This week was my first full week back on campus and my first week of work, so it’s an understatement to say that my wanderlust has been acting up. The result? I’ve spent this evening reviewing all my photographed, study abroad memories. Here are my top ten favorites that I wanted to share with you.

A post shared by Sierra Carter (@sierra_k_carter) on May 13, 2015 at 2:16am PDT

I took this picture from my window seat (best place to be) when we finally made it in the air. It was a journey to get from my university to Costa Rica — two days lost due to weather — but in the end, I still had the best time of my life. Flying is one of those terrifying but exciting experiences, and it rekindled my wayfaring desires.

A post shared by Sierra Carter (@sierra_k_carter) on May 17, 2015 at 7:05pm PDT

Playa Palada is one of my favorite places in the world, and I wish we had spent more than a few hours on the lovely beach. Despite the short time we were there, it was still one of the most human experiences I’ve had in my short nineteen years. Even now, it’s overwhelming to think about the beauty of the surrounding world. Furthermore, I’m still in awe of the sheer power of the ocean,and the fact that I stood on the very edge of the world, stood against the oncoming tide and faced my fears. As cliched as it sounds, thinking about it gives me chills.

A post shared by Sierra Carter (@sierra_k_carter) on May 22, 2015 at 12:09pm PDT

The ocean is calling. More specifically, the Pacific. Whether it’s the sunny shores of Costa Rica or the chilly coastline pf Alaska, you can bet that I’ll be breathing in the salty air and feeling freedom fill my lungs. Goodness… I miss it so much. It’s sad to think that I won’t be seeing those waters again for at least another nine months.

A post shared by Sierra Carter (@sierra_k_carter) on May 22, 2015 at 1:09pm PDT

Spirit stones are the coolest legend ever. Maybe it’s because I’m a writer, but the whole idea that these special rocks, ones with holes worn through by the ocean tide, are portals into another world is beyond fascinating.

A post shared by Sierra Carter (@sierra_k_carter) on May 24, 2015 at 5:12pm PDT

When I move to Rica and further embrace the “pura vida” life, I want to learn to surf. Better yet, I’ll be able to sit out on my beloved beach and watch the spectacular sun dip below the ocean’s offing…. Life goals. Really.

Speaking of life goals, reading on the beach is one of my favorite things ever. Writing on the beach comes in first place. Either way, this picture fully encompasses many of my loves. Travel. Ocean. Books. Can’t I just venture the world with a cup of tea, a good book, and a nice pen for jotting down my thoughts? That is the dream.

A post shared by Sierra Carter (@sierra_k_carter) on May 28, 2015 at 6:04pm PDT

This photo was taken after hiking up to the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, which is definitely worth all the price haggling done beforehand. The jungle is so unique and the view of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes create a stunning contrast to the volcanic rock and jungle trees. Anyhow, after walking back, I was able to catch this magnificent sunset and bird in flight out of the window of a bus. I’m not really sure how I managed it…

A post shared by Sierra Carter (@sierra_k_carter) on May 29, 2015 at 5:45am PDT

And last but not least, the view I had each morning from my front porch in La Fortuna. On the trip I wrote in many unique and beautiful places, and other than the ocean, this was certainly my favorite. My last night/morning in Costa Rica, I pulled an all-nighter and watched the sunrise over the volcano. Like Playa Palada, it was a very human experience that put many thing in my life into a new perspective.